Holiday Giving: Reach Out to the Animal Community, Too

We love the holidays—we're reminded daily, of how many wonderful things there are in our lives, and we're also reminded to reach out to those who are less fortunate. It's the season for giving, and there's an often looked-over community that's especially in need right now: Don't forget about the animals!

• Donate food and bedding to a shelter. If you can afford to, donate all-natural foods and sustainably produced bedding.• Recycle old sweatshirts, towels, and blankets at the animal shelters. They can be used in myriad ways at the shelter. • Donate time. Spend time at the shelters giving lonely animals some much-needed attention. • If you are in the position to, adopt a homeless animal and commit to giving it as green a home as possible. • If you're not ready to adopt but want to help in a big way, foster a dog or cat in your home until they can find a forever home. • Don't stop there: collect donations of food, bedding, and even money from colleagues or friends.

In any case, remember that giving an animal a loving home (or the chance at one) is a great way to make this world a better place.